Balloon weight and tether assembly including hinged tab with locking arms

ABSTRACT

A balloon weight and tether assembly includes a balloon weight; a securement tab including a first locking arm providing a male member having an outer periphery and a second locking arm providing a female member having an inner periphery; and a tether having a first end coupled with the balloon weight and a second end coupled with the securement tab; where the male member and the female member are adapted to mate to thereby grip a neck or a tail of an inflated balloon between the outer periphery of the male member and the inner periphery of the female member.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward a balloon weight and accessories. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to a balloon weight and tether assembly including a balloon weight capable of selectively releasing a desired length of tether. The assembly further includes a tab for receiving the tether, the tab including hinged arms adapted for securement of the tab to the neck or tail of an inflated balloon.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the use of lighter-than-air balloons, a particular concern of many localities is ensuring that the balloons are restrained from free flight into electrical power lines and transformers, where they would pose danger, and into the environment in general, where they become unwanted litter. Mylar or metallic balloons are of particular concern because they pose a threat to electrical transmission wires, and are not biodegradable. Accordingly, many governmental agencies require that such metallic balloons be tethered to a weight, with the weight being sufficient to prevent the balloon from free flight into the atmosphere.

Whether their use is mandated or not, it is common to use balloon weight and tether assemblies to retain a balloon from free flight. Such assemblies include a weight at the end of a tether, with the tether being secured to the balloon so that the balloon can float at the end of the tether while being held down by the weight. There are various types of balloon weight and tether assemblies, such as those shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,989,093; 6,582,272; 6,663,460, and 7,850,506. These all employ some type of adhesive to secure the tether to the balloon. Once the tether is adhesively secured to the balloon, the tether unravels from the spool as the balloon travels aloft.

It is thus known to attach the tether using a solid tab removable from the balloon weight. The tab is commonly attached to a balloon with an adhesive tape. While the tab suitably attaches the tether to the balloon, there may be disadvantages associated with the use of adhesive tape. For example, the manufacture of these balloon weights and tabs requires additional manufacturing steps to apply the adhesive tape and other associated components, such as a release liner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first embodiment, the present invention provides a balloon weight and tether assembly including a balloon weight; a securement tab including a first locking arm providing a male member having an outer periphery and a second locking arm providing a female member having an inner periphery; and a tether having a first end coupled with the balloon weight and a second end coupled with the securement tab; wherein the male member and the female member are adapted to mate to thereby grip a neck or a tail of an inflated balloon between the outer periphery of the male member and the inner periphery of the female member.

In a second embodiment, the present invention provides a balloon weight and tether assembly as in any of the above embodiments, the securement tab further including a hinged portion between the first locking arm and the second locking arm, the hinged portion adapted to allow movement of the first locking arm and the second locking arm to mate the male member with the female member.

In a third embodiment, the present invention provides a balloon weight and tether assembly as in any of the above embodiments, wherein the hinged portion includes a support body positioned between two hinges, the support body including a slot for receiving the tether therethrough to secure the tether to the securement tab.

In a fourth embodiment, the present invention provides a balloon weight and tether assembly as in any of the above embodiments, wherein the hinged portion includes only one hinge.

In a fifth embodiment, the present invention provides a balloon weight and tether assembly as in any of the above embodiments, wherein one of the first locking arm and the second locking arm include a slot for receiving the tether therethrough to secure the tether to the securement tab.

In a sixth embodiment, the present invention provides a balloon weight and tether assembly as in any of the above embodiments, wherein the balloon weight and the securement tab are separated from each other.

In a seventh embodiment, the present invention provides a balloon weight and tether assembly as in any of the above embodiments, wherein the balloon weight and the securement tab are coupled by a score line to thereby allow the selective detachability of the securement tab from the balloon weight.

In an eighth embodiment, the present invention provides a balloon weight and tether assembly as in any of the above embodiments, wherein the hinged portion includes a support body positioned between two hinges, wherein the score line is positioned between the balloon weight and the support body.

In a ninth embodiment, the present invention provides a balloon weight and tether assembly as in any of the above embodiments, wherein the score line is positioned between the balloon weight and the first locking arm.

In a tenth embodiment, the present invention provides a balloon weight and tether assembly as in any of the above embodiments, wherein the balloon weight is a spring clip including a first clip member and a second clip member biased by a spring.

In an eleventh embodiment, the present invention provides a balloon weight and tether assembly as in any of the above embodiments, the balloon weight including a locking hole, wherein the securement tab includes a barbed locking member extending therefrom, wherein the barbed locking member is adapted to fit within the locking hole to thereby couple the balloon weight and the securement tab, wherein the barbed locking member is adapted to be removed from the locking hole without compromising the barbs.

In a twelfth embodiment, the present invention provides a balloon weight and tether assembly as in any of the above embodiments, wherein the barbed locking member includes a plurality of barbed locking arms, each of the plurality of barbed locking arms including a sidewall extending to a barb.

In a thirteenth embodiment, the present invention provides a balloon weight and tether assembly as in any of the above embodiments, wherein the balloon weight includes a spool-shaped body portion.

In a fourteenth embodiment, the present invention provides a balloon weight and tether assembly as in any of the above embodiments, wherein the spool-shaped body portion includes a bottom ring spaced below and parallel with a top disk, a cylindrical wall interposed between the top disk and the bottom ring, wherein the cylindrical wall, the top disk, and the bottom ring define an annular cavity capable of receiving a tether.

In a fifteenth embodiment, the present invention provides a balloon weight and tether assembly as in any of the above embodiments, wherein the bottom ring includes a plurality of ribbon retaining projections spaced around the perimeter thereof.

In a sixteenth embodiment, the present invention provides a balloon weight and tether assembly as in any of the above embodiments, wherein the balloon weight includes a body portion carrying a separate spool.

In a seventeenth embodiment, the present invention provides a balloon weight and tether assembly as in any of the above embodiments, wherein the male member includes a plurality of crush ribs adapted to deform into the neck or the tail of the inflated balloon when the male member and the female member are mated, to thereby further secure the neck or the tail of the inflated balloon against the inner periphery of the female member.

In an eighteenth embodiment, the present invention provides a balloon weight and tether assembly as in any of the above embodiments, wherein the male member is hollow.

In a nineteenth embodiment, the present invention provides a balloon weight and tether assembly as in any of the above embodiments, wherein each of the crush ribs includes a barb adapted to allow travel of the male member into the female member, but that will not allow the reverse travel of the male member out from the female member without compromising the barbs.

In a twentieth embodiment, the present invention provides a balloon weight and tether assembly as in any of the above embodiments, wherein the male member includes a plurality of barbs adapted to allow travel of the male member into the female member, but that will not allow the reverse travel of the male member out from the female member without compromising the barbs.

In a twenty-first embodiment, the present invention provides a balloon weight and tether assembly as in any of the above embodiments, wherein the first locking member and the second locking member each further include a respective aperture particularly provided for reducing the weight of the securement tab.

In a twenty-second embodiment, the present invention provides a balloon weight and tether assembly as in any of the above embodiments, wherein the male member includes a tapered distal end adapted to ease in locating the male member with the female member and to prevent damage to the neck or the tail of the inflated balloon.

In a twenty-third embodiment, the present invention provides a balloon weight and tether assembly as in any of the above embodiments, the male member having a length, wherein the second locking arm includes a cylindrical boss extending therefrom, the cylindrical boss having a depth that is at least as deep the length of the male member.

In a twenty-fourth embodiment, the present invention provides a balloon weight and tether assembly as in any of the above embodiments, wherein the depth of the cylindrical boss is deeper than the length of the male member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a balloon weight and tether assembly in accord with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an alternative perspective view of the balloon weight and tether assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an alternative perspective view of the balloon weight and tether assembly of FIG. 1, showing a first locking arm and a second locking arm in a locked position.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a securement tab in accord with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a close-up perspective view of circle C of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a securement tab in accord with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a balloon weight and tether assembly in accord with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 8 is an alternative perspective view of the balloon weight and tether assembly of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a balloon weight and tether assembly in accord with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 10 is an alternative perspective view of the balloon weight and tether assembly of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a balloon weight and tether assembly in accord with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a balloon weight and tether assembly in accord with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 13 is an alternative perspective view of the balloon weight and tether assembly of FIG. 1, showing the first locking arm and the second locking arm gripping a neck/tail of an inflated balloon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward a balloon weight and tether assembly. The balloon weight and tether assembly includes a balloon weight, a securement tab, and a tether. The balloon weight, the securement tab, and the tether may be a variety of suitable configurations, which will be first generically described, and then will be described with respect to particular embodiments shown in the Figures.

The balloon weight may be of any configuration suitable for receiving a first end of the tether. In some embodiments, the balloon weight is adapted to selectively releasing a length of the tether. Exemplary balloon weights include spool-shaped body portions and body portions carrying a separate spool.

The securement tab is capable of receiving a second end of the tether. The securement tab includes a first locking arm providing a male member and a second locking arm providing a female member. The male member and the female member may be of any suitable shape such that they are capable of mating. When the male member and the female member mate, the securement tab is thereby capable of gripping a neck or a tail of an inflated balloon between the first locking arm and the second locking arm. Thus, in desired operation, with the tether being secured to both the balloon weight and the securement tab, the tethered balloon can float at the second end of the tether, secured by the securement tab, while being held down by the balloon weight at the first end of the tether.

The securement tab may either be initially attached with the balloon weight or may be initially provided separately from the balloon weight.

An exemplary initial attachment includes a score line between the balloon weight and the securement tab. In other embodiments, the initial attachment may include securing a barbed locking member of the securement tab with a locking hole in the balloon weight.

The securement tab includes the first locking arm and the second locking arm being separated by a hinged portion. The hinged portion may include one hinge, two hinges, or another suitable number of hinges.

The first locking arm and the second locking arm may include hollow portions for reducing the manufacturing material and reducing the weight of the securement tab. In other embodiments, the first locking arm and the second locking arm do not include hollow portions.

One or more embodiments of the present invention can be described with reference to FIGS. 1-3 and 13, which show a balloon weight and tether assembly 10. The balloon weight and tether assembly 10 includes a balloon weight 12, a securement tab 14, and a tether 18. The securement tab 14 may also be referred to simply as a tab 14.

The balloon weight 12 includes a body portion 16 that provides much of the weight to retain a balloon 21 tethered to the balloon weight 12. In some embodiments, such as the one particularly shown here, the balloon weight is configured to function as a spool to hold a desired length of the tether 18. In some embodiments, the tab 14 is removably secured to the body portion 16. In this embodiment, the tab 14 is removably secured by way of a score line 17. The score line 17 includes a weakened line of depression, allowing for the tab 14 to be easily broken from the body portion 16. In some embodiments, the assembly 10 is molded from plastic and, accordingly, the score line 17 provides a reliable means for allowing the tab 14 to be broken away from body portion 16. As suggested above, while providing removable tab 14 as a breakaway component may be useful for manufacture and shipping and use, it is also envisioned that embodiments of the invention could simply provide the securement tab 14 as a separate element from the balloon weight 12.

The tab 14 includes first locking arm 26 and a second locking arm 28 extending from at least one hinge 24 to allow a male member 39 and female member 36 to mate and secure a neck 23 or tail of the balloon 23 as will be more fully described herein. In this particular embodiment, the tab 14 includes a support body 20 connected at an end thereof to the balloon weight body portion 16 by the score line 17. The support body 20 is generally elliptical or stadium shaped, though other shapes may be suitable. The support body 20 includes a slot 22 extending therethrough. The slot 22 may generally be centrally located and may be sized to receive the tether 18 (e.g. ribbon). The slot 22 may be of any suitable size as long as it will receive the tether 18. It should also be appreciated that the end of the tether 18 may be secured by an adhesive, such as tape, without the use of a knot in the tether 18. As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and FIG. 13, the tether 18 may be wrapped about the balloon weight and tether assembly 10 in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

At each side of the support body 20 is a respective hinge 24 for adjustably securing a first locking arm 26 with a second locking arm 28. Each hinge 24 extends along the length or the substantial length of the respective side of the support body 20. The hinges 24 allow the first locking arm 26 and the second locking arm 28 to move between an unlocked position (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) and a locked position (as shown in FIGS. 3 and 13) As suggested above, the assembly 10 may be molded of plastic, and the hinges 24 may be formed of a thinner plastic section to allow flexibility thereof.

The first locking arm 26 includes a male member 30 extending from a first surface thereof. The second locking arm 28 includes a female member 36 sized to mate with the male member 30 by receiving at least a portion of the male member 30. The male member 30 may be virtually any shape that is complementary to the shape of the female member 36 so as to allow them to mate and secure a balloon as disclosed herein. In some embodiments such as that under current disclosure, the male member 30 is generally cylindrically or capsular shaped, though other shapes are suitable. The male member 30 may be hollow or solid. In one or more embodiments, the male member 30 may be formed by punch-pressing a manufacturing hole 34 in the first locking arm 26 to form the male member 30. The male member 30 may in some embodiments include a plurality of crush ribs 32 around the periphery. The crush ribs 32 may be pointed or rounded. The crush ribs 32 may be formed as a slot between two ribs.

The first locking arm 26 and the second locking arm 28 may include curved indents 38 in each side thereof for reducing the size of the locking arms and thus the weight of the securement tab 14. In other embodiments, first locking arm 26 and the second locking arm 28 may have straight-edged sides.

In the unlocked position of the first locking arm 26 and the second locking arm 28, the male member 30 is not within the female member 36. To move from the unlocked position to the locked position, a user moves the first locking arm 26 and the second locking arm 28 toward each other, rotating about the hinges 24. At least a portion of the male member 30 enters the female member 36 to form a press-fit lock.

Whether with or without crush ribs, the male member 30 and the female member 36 are adapted for securement of the tab 14 to the neck 23 or tail of the inflated balloon 21. Particularly, the neck 23 or tail of the inflated balloon 21 would be positioned between the male member 30 and the female member 36, as the locking arms are moved to the locked position, as shown in FIG. 13. As the male member 30 is inserted into the female member 36, the material of the neck 23 or tail is securely pinched between and held by a tight tolerance between the outer periphery of the male member 30 and the inner periphery of the female member 36. Thus, in the locked position as shown in FIG. 13, the outer periphery of the male member 30 pinches the neck 23 or tail at the inner periphery of the female member 36, thus securely affixing the balloon 21 to the weight 12 by means of the tether 18.

In some embodiments employing crush ribs 32, the crush ribs 32 deform into the neck 23 or tail of the inflated balloon 21 and secure the same against the inner periphery of the female member 36. The crush ribs 32 extend from the main body of the male member 30 such that, during insertion of the male member 30 into the female member 36, the crush ribs 32 engage the inner periphery of female member 36 which allows the crush ribs 32 to deform during the press-fit to ensure a tight squeezing and securement of the neck/tail of the balloon. The crush ribs 32 may also be said to act as barbs that allow travel of the male member 30 into the female member 36 but that will not allow the reverse travel without compromising the crush rubs 32.

In some embodiments, the male member 30 and the female member 36 are locked together and disjoined only by compromising the integrity of the crush ribs. That is, the crush ribs effectively lock into place and cannot be removed absent applying inordinate amounts of force that cause warping (even if temporary) or breaking or other compromising of the integrity of the male member and/or female member and/or crush ribs.

In some embodiments, the outer periphery of the male member 30 and the inner periphery of the female member 36 are sized to have a clearance of from about 0.001 to about 0.007 inches. In some embodiments, the outer periphery of the male member 30 and the inner periphery of the female member 36 are sized to have a clearance of from about 0.002 to about 0.006 inches. In some embodiments, the outer periphery of the male member 30 and the inner periphery of the female member 36 are sized to have a clearance of from about 0.003 to about 0.005 inches. In some embodiments, the crush ribs extent beyond the perimeter of the female member at a length of from about 0.005 to about 0.020. In some embodiments, the crush ribs extend beyond the perimeter of the female member at a length of from about 0.010 to about 0.015. In some embodiments that employ barbs, the barbs can extend beyond the perimeter of the female member at a length of from about 0.010 to about 0.015. These sizing aspects are options for all embodiments disclosed herein and need not be repeated as options for every embodiment to follow.

In some embodiments, the male member 30 has a lead-in taper section 31 defining its distal end (tip) so as to allow ease in locating the female member (especially when formed as a hole) in the opposed locking arm. This is particularly helpful when the view of the male member 30 being inserted into the female member 36 is obscured by the neck 23 or tail of the balloon 21 positioned between the male member 30 and the female member 36. In some embodiments, the lead-in tapered section 31 is rounded, and this will help prevent damage to the neck 23 or tail of the balloon 21, and particularly prevent damage to the neck 23 or tail when the balloon 21 is made of foil (e.g., Mylar™ material; Dupont Teijin Films, USA).

The body portion 16 of balloon weight 12 includes a top disk 40 from which tab 14 extends with the demarcation of the score line 17. Spaced below and parallel with the top disk 40 is a bottom ring 42. In some embodiments, the tab 14 extends from the bottom ring 42. A cylindrical wall 44 is interposed between the top disk 40 and the bottom ring 42. The area between the top disk 40, the bottom ring 42, and the cylindrical wall 44 defines an annular cavity 46 adapted to receive a wound length of the tether 18. It should be appreciated that the elements 40-44 generally define a spool for that purpose.

The inner part of the cylindrical wall 44 defines a cylindrical cavity 48. A slot 50 is provided in cylindrical wall 44. The slot 50 passes through wall 44 and into the cylindrical cavity 48. Slot 50 provides a means for receiving and retaining one end of the tether 18.

The body portion 16 may also carry, or have integrally formed therewith, an external member 52, which may be a hook 52, to facilitate display of the assembly 10.

The operation of the assembly 10 will now be further described. As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 13, the assembly 10 may be provided with a precut length of the tether 18 (e.g. ribbon) wound about the spool defined between the top disk 40, bottom ring 42, and cylindrical wall 44. The tether 18 is passed through the slot 48 and double knotted within the cylindrical cavity 48, thus securing it to the assembly 10. The spool of the assembly 10 may then be appropriately mounted to a suitable automatic winding machine, in which a predetermined length of the tether 18, such as 6 feet, may be wound around the spool. The opposite end of the length of the tether 18 is then passed through the slot 22 of the tab 14 and double knotted, or otherwise secured by an adhesive, thus securing it to the tab 14. This may include wrapping a portion of the tether 18 around the pair of notches formed by the support body 20 and the body portion 16, as shown.

With the tether 18 double knotted in the cylindrical cavity 48 at one end thereof, wrapped about the spool of the balloon weight and tether assembly 10, and double knotted on the tab 14 at the opposite end thereof, a single unitary tethered balloon weight and tether assembly 10 is defined. The first locking arm 26 and the second locking arm 28 then provide a means for securing the weight 12 to a balloon, as discussed elsewhere herein.

The assembly 10 may be stocked by a retail outlet for employment with a balloon upon request. The hook 52 provides for such stocking on a horizontal rod or the like. When a balloon is requested by a customer, the balloon is simply inflated and sealed at the neck or tail thereof as by a self-sealing valve or the like. The first locking arm 26 and the second locking arm 28 are then moved from the unlocked position to the locked position to thereby secure the first locking arm 26 and the second locking arm 28 to the neck 23 or tail of the balloon 21 such that the balloon 21 now includes the tethered balloon weight and tether assembly 10. At the point of sale, before or after attachment of the first locking arm 26 and the second locking arm 28 to the balloon, the tab 14 may be broken from the body portion 16 by simply flexing the tab 14 about the score line 17. In some instances, the customer may simply request that tab 14 be left intact, to be separated from the body portion 16 when the balloon 21 arrives at its final destination. In other instances, the tab 14 may be broken away at the point of sale.

As should therefore be appreciated, upon breaking away the tab 14, the balloon weight 12 will then be tethered by a length of the tether 18 to the inflated balloon 21. The sealed neck 23 or tail of the balloon 21 receives the tab 14 in the locked position. With the weight of the balloon weight 12 being of sufficient mass to overload the lift of the inflated balloon 21, it is assured that the balloon 21 will remain tethered to the weight 12, and will therefore be prevented from free flight, such as into the atmosphere.

One or more embodiments of the present invention can be described with reference to FIGS. 4-5, which show a securement tab 114, which may also be referred to as a tab 114, for use with a balloon weight and tether assembly. As suggested above, though securement tab 114 is not shown coupled with a balloon weight, it is envisioned that securement tab 114 will be provided with a balloon weight (e.g. balloon weight 12), either initially attached with the balloon weight or initially provided separately from the balloon weight.

The tab 114 includes a support body 120, which may be connected at an end thereof to a balloon weight body portion by a score line. The support body 120 is generally elliptical or stadium shaped, though other shapes may be suitable. The support body 120 includes a slot 122 extending therethrough. The slot 122 may generally be centrally located and may be sized to receive the tether (e.g. ribbon). The slot 122 may be of any suitable size as long as it will receive the tether. It should also be appreciated that the end of the tether may be secured by an adhesive, such as tape, without the use of a knot in the tether.

At each side of the support body 120 is a respective hinge 124 for adjustably securing a first locking arm 126 with a second locking arm 128. Each hinge 124 extends along the length or the substantial length of the respective side of the support body 120. The hinges 124 allow the first locking arm 126 and the second locking arm 128 to move between an unlocked position and a locked position. The tab 114 may be molded of plastic, and the hinges 124 may be formed of a thinner plastic section to allow flexibility thereof.

The first locking arm 126 includes a male member 130 extending from a first surface thereof. The second locking arm 128 includes a female member 136 sized to mate with the male member 130 by receiving at least a portion of the male member 130. The male member 130 may be virtually any shape that is complementary to the shape of the female member 136 so as to allow them to mate and secure a balloon as disclosed herein. In some embodiments such as that under current disclosure, the male member 130 is generally cylindrically or capsular shaped, though other shapes are suitable. The male member 130 may be hollow or solid. The male member 130 may include a tapered end 131. In one or more embodiments, the male member 130 may be formed by punch-pressing a manufacturing hole in the first locking arm 126 to form the male member 130. The male member 130 may include a plurality of crush ribs 132 around the periphery. The crush ribs 132 may be pointed or rounded. The crush ribs 132 may be formed as a slot between two ribs. The crush ribs 132 may include a barb 133. The barb 133 may be cored through, or may be formed with a lifter or a slide. In some embodiments, the barb 133 is provided above crush ribs 132 on the male member (i.e., closer to the distal end than to the base) and can extend beyond the perimeter of the female member after insertion such that it is difficult to pull out the male member from the female member as the base of the barb thus contacts the material of the second locking arm.

The first locking arm 126 and the second locking arm 128 may include curved indents 138 in each side thereof for reducing the size of the locking arms and thus the weight of the securement tab 114. In other embodiments, first locking arm 126 and the second locking arm 128 may have straight-edged sides.

In some embodiment one or more of the first locking arm 126 and the second locking arm 128 may include one or more apertures as at 139A, 139B for reducing the manufacturing material and reducing the weight of the securement tab. The apertures shown are for example only, and various apertures of various shapes and types might be provided to reduce weight and yet provide a suitably structurally stable tab 114. These apertures can be practiced on any embodiment herein.

In the unlocked position of the first locking arm 126 and the second locking arm 128, the male member 130 is not within the female member 136. To move from the unlocked position to the locked position, a user moves the first locking arm 126 and the second locking arm 128 toward each other, rotating about the hinges 124. At least a portion of the male member 130 enters the female member 136, such that the support body 120, the first locking arm 126, and the second locking arm 128 form a generally triangular position. This entering of at least a portion of the male member 130 in the female member 136 may be described as a press-fit lock. The longest parts of crush ribs 132 (e.g. the narrow points where the crush ribs 132 are pointed, or the radius of the crush ribs 132 where the crush ribs 132 are rounded) meet the inner periphery of female member 136 which allows the crush ribs 132 to deform during the press-fit to ensure a tight fit. The crush ribs 132 therefore receive the primary amount of stress, without a deleterious amount of stress on the body of the male member 130.

As mentioned elsewhere herein, in operation of the securement tab 114, the male member 130 and the female member 136 are adapted for securement of the tab to the neck or tail of an inflated balloon. That is, the neck or tail of the inflated balloon would be positioned between the first locking arm 126 and the second locking arm 128, and therefore between the male member 130 and the female member 136, when in the locked position. It should therefore be appreciated that the crush ribs 132 would particularly deform into the neck or tail of the inflated balloon and secure the same against the inner periphery of the female member 136.

The operation of the securement tab 114 is similar to the above description with respect to the balloon weight and tether assembly 10.

One or more embodiments of the present invention can be described with reference to FIG. 6, which shows a securement tab 514, which may also be referred to as a tab 514, for use with a balloon weight and tether assembly. As suggested above, though securement tab 514 is not shown coupled with a balloon weight, it is envisioned that securement tab 514 will be provided with a balloon weight (e.g. balloon weight 12), either initially attached with the balloon weight or initially provided separately from the balloon weight.

The securement tab 514 is similar to the above described securement tab 114, but the female member 536 is a cylindrical boss 519 extending from the second locking arm 528. The cylindrical boss 519 may make it easier to lock the first locking arm 526 with the second locking arm 528. The cylindrical boss 519 may be as deep as or deeper than the male member 530 so that an individual can mate the male member 530 with the female member 536 without constantly poking themselves with the male member 530. It will be appreciated that the likely operation to mate the male member 530 with the female member 536 is to orient the male member 530 in alignment with the female member 536 and squeeze the two locking arms together, most likely with a thumb underneath the female member 536 finger squeezing and driving the male member 530 towards the thumb.

For further description of the cylindrical boss 519, and with reference again to the embodiment of FIG. 1, the male member 30 extends through the female member 36 in the embodiment of FIG. 1. As such, the male member 30 may press into a user's thumb. The same may not occur with the cylindrical boss 519, and this may be found particularly advantageous for those individuals tasked with assembling hundreds or thousands of tethered balloons using the present invention.

One or more embodiments of the present invention can be described with reference to FIGS. 7-8, which show a balloon weight and tether assembly 610. The balloon weight and tether assembly 610 includes a spring clip balloon weight 612, a securement tab 614, and a tether (not shown). The securement tab 614 may also be referred to simply as a tab 614.

The tab 614 is similar to the above described securement tab 14, but tab 614 further includes a barbed locking member 680 extending from a support body 620 of the tab 614. The barbed locking member 680 includes a plurality of barbed locking arms 682 each having a sidewall 684 extending to a barb 686. The barbed locking member 680 is adapted to fit within a locking hole 688 within a first clip member 690 of the spring clip balloon weight 612. The sidewalls 684 engage the inner perimeter of the locking hole 688. The barbs 686 extend outwardly beyond the inner perimeter of the locking hole 688 to retain the tab 614 with the spring clip balloon weight 612.

The barbed locking arms 682 are flexibly biased such that a user can move each barbed locking arm 682 inward as to cause the barbs 686 to move within the inner perimeter of the locking hole 688. This may be described as the barbed locking arms 682 being capable of removal from the locking hole 688 without compromising the barbs 686 or the barbed locking arms 682. Upon this inward travel of the barbed locking arms 682, the tab 614 can be disengaged from the spring clip balloon weight 612, as represented by the dashed arrow in FIG. 7. Thus, the disengaged securement tab 614 can be utilized with a tether for securing the securement tab 614 to the neck or tail of an inflated balloon, in a similar manner as disclosed elsewhere herein.

The spring clip balloon weight 612 includes the first clip member 690 and a second clip member 692 biased by a spring 694 to be in close proximity to each other at a clip end and separate from each other at a squeeze end. This arrangement permits the spring clip balloon weight 612 to be squeezed at the squeeze end to place the clip end around a fixture and thereafter release the squeeze end so that the clip end clips onto the fixture.

In the embodiment shown, the spring 694 is a circular piece of metal secured at a first end to the first clip member 690 and secured at a second end to the second clip member 692. The length of the circular piece between the first spring end and the second spring end 26 extends through a first spring slot in the first clip member 690 and through a second spring slot in the second clip member 692.

The second clip member 692 may include a spool 615, which is similar to spool 315 disclosed elsewhere herein.

Other aspects of the spring clip balloon weight 612 may be disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,850,506, which is incorporated herein by reference.

One or more embodiments of the present invention can be described with reference to FIGS. 9-10, which shows a balloon weight and tether assembly 210. Balloon weight and tether assembly 210 includes a balloon weight 212 coupled with a securement tab 214, which may also be referred to as a tab 214. The balloon weight 212 includes a body portion 216 that is capable of selectively releasing a desired length of a tether (e.g. ribbon). The body portion 216 is attached to tab 214 by way of a score line 217 which may be said to form a portion of the perimeter of body portion 216. The score line 217 includes a weakened line of depression, allowing for the tab 214 to be easily broken from the body portion 216. The assembly 210 may be molded of plastic and, accordingly, the score line 217 provides a reliable means for allowing the tab 214 to be broken away from the body portion 216.

The tab 214 is similar to the above described tab 14, and the tab 214 is therefore not further re-described here.

The body portion 216 of the balloon weight 212 includes a top disk 240 from which tab 214 extends with the demarcation of the score line 217. Spaced below and parallel with the top disk 240 is a bottom ring 242. In some embodiments, the tab 214 extends from the bottom ring 242. The top disk 240 includes a plurality of manufacturing holes 241. The manufacturing holes 241 correspond positionally with a plurality of tether retaining projections 243 spaced around the perimeter of the bottom ring 242, as the manufacturing holes 241 enable the formation of the projections 243 during manufacture. A cylindrical wall 244 is interposed between the top disk 240 and the bottom ring 242. The area between the top disk 240, tether retaining projections 243, and cylindrical wall 244 defines an annular cavity 246 adapted to receive a wound length of the tether, where the projections 243 serve to retain the wound length of the tether within the annular cavity 246. The tether retaining projections 243 may be triangular shaped, or any other suitable shape. It should be appreciated that the elements 240-244 generally define a spool for retaining the wound length of the tether.

The inner part of the cylindrical wall 244 defines a cylindrical cavity 248. A slot 250 is provided in the cylindrical wall 244. The slot 250 passes through the wall 244 and into the cylindrical cavity 248. The slot 250 provides a means for receiving and retaining one end of the tether.

The body portion 216 may also carry, or have integrally formed therewith, an external member 252, which may be a hook 252, to facilitate display of the assembly 210.

As should be appreciated by the skilled person, the assembly 210, and particularly the body portion 216, may be manufactured without the use of slides. Based on two appropriately designed manufacturing presses, the formation of the manufacturing holes 241 enables the formation of the tether retaining projections 243.

The operation of the assembly 210 is similar to the above described operation of the assembly 10, except to the extent one skilled in the art would recognize differences based on differing structure, and this operation is therefore not further re-described here.

One or more embodiments of the present invention can be described with reference to FIG. 11, which shows a balloon weight and tether assembly 310. The balloon weight and tether assembly 310 includes a balloon weight 312 coupled with a securement tab 314, which may also be referred to as a tab 314. The balloon weight 312 includes a body portion 316 that carries a spool 315, which may be referred to as a tether spool assembly 315, capable of selectively releasing a desired length of a tether. The body portion 316 is attached to the tab 314 by way of a score line 317 which may be said to form a portion of the perimeter of the body portion 316. The score line 317 includes a weakened line of depression, allowing for tab 314 to be easily broken from the body portion 316. In some embodiments, the assembly 310 may be molded from plastic and, accordingly, the score line 317 provides a reliable means for allowing tab 314 to be broken away from the body portion 316.

Tab 314 is similar to the above described tab 14, and tab 314 is therefore not further re-described here.

Body portion 316 may be a cylindrical disk, or any other suitable shape. Body portion 316 may carry, or have integrally formed therewith, an external member 352, which may be a hook 352, to facilitate display of assembly 310.

Spool 315 may be coupled with body portion 316 by any suitable manner. Spool 315 may be any suitable structure capable of selectively releasing a desired length of a tether. An exemplary spool 315 is the spool assembly of U.S. Patent No. 7,850,506, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The operation of assembly 310 is similar to the above described operation of assembly 10 except to the extent one skilled in the art would recognize differences based on differing structure, and this operation is therefore not further re-described here.

One or more embodiments of the present invention can be described with reference to FIG. 12, which shows a balloon weight and tether assembly 410. Balloon weight and tether assembly 410 includes a balloon weight 412 coupled with a securement tab 414, which may also be referred to as a tab 414. The balloon weight 412 includes a body portion 416 that is capable of selectively releasing a desired length of a tether. The body portion 416 is attached to the tab 414 by way of a score line 417. The score line 417 includes a weakened line of depression, allowing for the tab 414 to be easily broken from the body portion 416. In some embodiments, the assembly 410 may be molded from plastic and, accordingly, the score line 417 provides a reliable means for allowing the tab 414 to be broken away from the body portion 416.

The securement tab 414 includes a slot 422 extending therethrough within a first locking arm 426, though in other embodiments the slot 422 may be in a second locking arm 428. In some embodiments, both the first locking arm 426 and the second locking arm 428 include a slot 422. The slot 422 may generally be centrally located within the respective locking arm or arms. The slot 422 may be of any suitable shape to retain a tether. It should also be appreciated that the end of the tether may be secured by an adhesive, such as tape, without the use of a knot. In one or more embodiments, the tab 414 may be devoid of an adhesive.

A hinge 424 is positioned between the locking arm 426 and the locking arm 428 to allow the first locking arm 426 and the second locking arm 428 to move between an unlocked position (as shown in FIG. 12) and a locked position (not shown). In some embodiments, the assembly 410 may be molded from plastic, and the hinge 424 may be formed of a thinner plastic layer to allow flexibility thereof.

The first locking arm 426 includes a male member 430 extending from a first surface thereof. The male member 430 may be generally cylindrically or capsular shaped, though other shapes may be suitable. The male member 430 may be hollow or solid. In one or more embodiments, male member 430 may be formed by punch-pressing a manufacturing hole in arm 426 to form male member 430. The male member 430 may include a plurality of crush ribs 432 around the periphery. The crush ribs 432 may be pointed or rounded.

The second locking arm 428 includes a female member 436 therewithin, which is sized as to receive at least a portion of male member 430 therethrough.

In the unlocked position of the first locking arm 426 and the second locking arm 428, the male member 430 is not within the female member 436. To move from the unlocked position to the locked position, a user moves the first locking arm 426 and the second locking arm 428 toward each other, rotating about the hinge 424. At least a portion of the male member 430 enters the female member 436, such that the first locking arm 426 and the second locking arm 428 are brought into a generally parallel position. This entering of at least a portion of the male member 430 in the female member 436 may be described as a press-fit lock. The longest parts of the crush ribs 432 (e.g. the narrow points where the crush ribs 432 are pointed, or the radius of the crush ribs 432 where the crush ribs 432 are rounded) meet the inner periphery of the female member 436 which allows the crush ribs 432 to deform during the press-fit to ensure a tight fit. The crush ribs 432 therefore receive the primary amount of stress, without a deleterious amount of stress on the body of the male member 430.

As mentioned elsewhere herein, in operation of the assembly 410, the male member 430 and the female member 436 are adapted for securement of the tab to the neck or tail of an inflated balloon. That is, the neck or tail of the inflated balloon would be positioned between the first locking arm 426 and the second locking arm 428, and therefore between the male member 430 and the female member 436, when in the locked position. It should therefore be appreciated that the crush ribs 432 would particularly deform into the neck or tail of the inflated balloon and secure the same against the inner periphery of the female member 436.

The balloon weight 412 is similar to the above described balloon weight 12, and the balloon weight 412 is therefore not further re-described here.

The operation of assembly 410 is similar to the above described operation of the assembly 10, except to the extent one skilled in the art would recognize differences based on differing structure, and this operation is therefore not further re-described here.

It should be appreciated that one or more embodiments of the invention may utilize aspects of any of the above exemplified embodiments with aspects of any of the other exemplified embodiments. For example, a balloon weight and tether assembly may include the balloon weight 12 with the securement tab 114. As another example, a balloon weight and tether assembly may include the balloon weight 612 with the securement tab being similar to securement tab 614 and having the cylindrical boss 519.

The balloon weight and tether assembly of one or more embodiments of the present invention, particularly the balloon weight thereof, may include other features as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,989,093; 6,582,272; and 6,663,460, which are incorporated herein by reference. For example, the balloon weight may further include a tether restraining assembly. As another example, the balloon weight may include selectable weighted inserts to choose from and affix to the weight to provide a desired total mass.

Notably, in broad summary of the invention disclosed herein, the present invention generally provides a balloon weight and tether assembly including a balloon weight, a securement tab, and a tether. The securement tab includes a first locking arm providing a male member and a second locking arm providing a female member. The tether has a first end coupled to the balloon weight and a second end coupled to the securement tab. The male member and female member of the securement tab are intended to mate with the neck or tail of an inflated balloon held there between so as to be secured to the securement tab by the mating of the male and female member. In this way, adhesives, which are expensive and require additional manufacturing steps to employ in a balloon weight, are avoided. Instead, the securement tab can be simply molded at a much cheaper cost than sourcing and incorporating adhesive into the balloon weight design. In some embodiments, the entirety of the balloon weight and securement tab can be molded together in one piece, with the securement tab to be separated from the remainder. In some such embodiments, the tether can be wound about the balloon weight and secured to the securement tab while it is still unitary with the balloon weight. Thus, an individual can purchase a balloon weight and tether assembly as a complete unit, with the securement tab ready to be separated from the balloon weight and secured to a balloon.

Various modifications and alterations that do not depart from the scope and spirit of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art. This invention is not to be duly limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein. Indeed, it will be readily appreciated that any feature of any embodiment that is readily capable of practice in another embodiment is hereby expressly accounted for. Said another way, it will be readily appreciated that various aspects of different illustrative embodiments can be readily combined to create other embodiments that fall within the scope of this invention. For example, the cylindrical boss concept of FIG. 6 could be employed in any other embodiment. As other examples, aspects such as the crush ribs, the apertures making the tab lighter, the concept of securing a tab with score lines or by barbed connection, the tapered end, the hook, and the barbed locking arms, can be chosen for implementation in another embodiment without the need for a separate drawing and disclosure herein. The summary of the invention helps provide the true breadth of the disclosure without undue focus on any particular embodiment, and aspects of particular embodiments should not be read as limiting the scope of the present invention, which scope is to be assessed by reliance on the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A balloon weight and tether assembly comprising a balloon weight; a securement tab including: a support body having a slot therein, a first locking arm secured to the support body by a first hinge, the first locking arm providing a male member having an outer periphery and a second locking arm secured to the support body by a second hinge opposed to the first hinge, the second locking arm providing a female member having an inner periphery; and a tether having a first end coupled with the balloon weight and a second end coupled with the securement tab at the slot in the support body; wherein the male member and the female member are adapted to mate by pivoting the first locking arm at the first hinge and the second locking arm at the second hinge, thereby moving the male member to extend through the female member to thereby grip a neck or a tail of an inflated balloon between the outer periphery of the male member and the inner periphery of the female member.
 2. The balloon weight and tether assembly of claim 1, wherein the slot is centrally located in the support body, and the male member of the first locking arm is equidistant from the first hinge as compared to the distance of the female member of the second locking arm from the second hinge such that pivoting the first and second locking arms respectively about the first and second hinges serves to bring the male member and female member into alignment to mate the male member with the female member.
 3. (canceled)
 4. (canceled)
 5. (canceled)
 6. The balloon weight and tether assembly of claim 1, wherein the balloon weight and the securement tab are separated from each other. (Original) The balloon weight and tether assembly of claim 1, wherein the balloon weight and the securement tab are coupled by a score line to thereby allow the selective detachability of the securement tab from the balloon weight.
 8. The balloon weight and tether assembly of claim 7, wherein the score line is positioned between the balloon weight and the support body.
 9. (canceled)
 10. The balloon weight and tether assembly of claim 1, wherein the balloon weight is a spring clip including a first clip member and a second clip member biased by a spring.
 11. The balloon weight and tether assembly of claim 1, the balloon weight including a locking hole, wherein the support body includes a barbed locking member extending therefrom, wherein the barbed locking member is adapted to fit within the locking hole to thereby couple the balloon weight and the securement tab, wherein the barbed locking member is adapted to be removed from the locking hole without compromising the barbs.
 12. The balloon weight and tether assembly of claim 11, wherein the barbed locking member includes a plurality of barbed locking arms, each of the plurality of barbed locking arms including a sidewall extending to a barb.
 13. The balloon weight and tether assembly of claim 1, wherein the balloon weight includes a spool-shaped body portion.
 14. The balloon weight and tether assembly of claim 13, wherein the spool-shaped body portion includes a bottom ring spaced below and parallel with a top disk, a cylindrical wall interposed between the top disk and the bottom ring, wherein the cylindrical wall, the top disk, and the bottom ring define an annular cavity capable of receiving a tether.
 15. The balloon weight and tether assembly of claim 14, wherein the bottom ring includes a plurality of ribbon retaining projections spaced around the perimeter thereof.
 16. The balloon weight and tether assembly of claim 1, wherein the balloon weight includes a body portion carrying a separate spool.
 17. A balloon weight and tether assembly comprising a balloon weight a securement tab including: a first locking arm providing a male member having an outer periphery and a second locking arm providing a female member within the second locking arm, the female member having an inner periphery; and a tether having a first end coupled with the balloon weight and a second end coupled with the securement tab; wherein the male member and the female member are adapted to mate wherein the male member extends through the female member to thereby grip a neck or a tail of an inflated balloon between the outer periphery of the male member and the inner periphery of the female member, wherein the male member includes a plurality of crush ribs adapted to deform into a neck or a tail of an inflated balloon when the male member and the female member are mated, to thereby further secure the neck or the tail of the inflated balloon against the inner periphery of the female member.
 18. The balloon weight and tether assembly of claim 17, wherein above each of the crush ribs is a barb adapted to extend beyond the perimeter of the female member after mating of the male member and female member to prevent reverse travel of the male member out from the female member without compromising the barbs
 19. (canceled)
 20. The balloon weight and tether assembly of claim 1, the male member having a length, wherein the male member includes a tapered distal end adapted to ease in locating the male member with the female member, wherein the second locking arm includes a cylindrical boss extending therefrom, the cylindrical boss having a depth that is at least as deep as the length of the male member.
 21. The balloon weight and tether assembly of claim 1, wherein, in the mated position in which the male member extends through the female member, the support body, the first locking arm, and the second locking arm form a generally triangular position.
 22. The balloon weight and tether assembly of claim 17, wherein the securement tab includes a support body having a slot therein, the second end of the tether being secured at the slot, and wherein, in the mated position in which the male member extends through the female member, the support body, the first locking arm, and the second locking arm form a generally triangular position.
 23. The balloon weight and tether assembly of claim 17, wherein the first locking arm and the second locking arm are not as wide as the neck or the tail of the inflated balloon.
 24. The balloon weight and tether assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer periphery of the male member and the inner periphery of the female member are sized to have a clearance of from about 0.001 to about 0.007 inches.
 25. The balloon weight and tether assembly of claim 17, wherein the outer periphery of the male member and the inner periphery of the female member are sized to have a clearance of from about 0.001 to about 0.007 inches.
 26. The balloon weight and tether assembly of claim 18, wherein the barbs extend beyond the inner periphery of the female member at a length of from about 0.010 to about 0.015 inches. 